What is the difference between a physical exam and a wellness exam?
Asked by: Alexa Muller III | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (65 votes)
Is a physical a wellness check?
The terms “wellness exam” and “physical” are often used interchangeably. However, there can be slight variations depending on the healthcare provider. A wellness exam may focus more on preventive care and health education, while a physical may be more comprehensive and address any immediate health concerns.
Which are typically included in a wellness exam?
During your wellness exam you may receive screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, mammogram, pap test, osteoporosis, or STDs. Your doctor may ask you about current stress, physical activity, diet, or drug use such as tobacco and alcohol.
Does a well check count as a physical?
Well Visits are also known as annual checkups. The main difference between a Physical and a Well Visit is that the Physical exam is included within a Well Visit… but during a Well Visit, the physiological assessment is just the beginning.
What is not included in a wellness exam?
Bloodwork, X-rays, and lab tests
Bloodwork, X-rays, lab tests, and any other medical biometric data collection are explicitly not covered under Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit. These ancillary procedures are often performed in conjunction with an annual physical or a sick visit.
What does the doctor check during an annual wellness or physical exam? cc
What is a wellness exam vs physical exam?
While a physical includes a full examination and a wellness evaluation, an Annual Wellness Visits focuses solely on a patient's answers to a health risk assessment. It does not typically include any lab work or tests requiring physical contact.
What is considered an abnormal finding on a wellness exam?
Abnormal finding represents any non-clinically significant abnormal symptoms/disease that have been newly diagnosed or have worsened since last visit (or since informed consent for baseline visit).
Do they check your private parts in a wellness check?
Doctors typically perform a physical examination that may include checking your private areas, but it depends on your medical history and the reason for the physical. They will respect your privacy and discuss any concerns with you beforehand.
Does a wellness exam include blood work?
Yes, a wellness exam can include blood work. However, it's important to note that the specific tests conducted during a wellness exam may vary from person to person. The decision to order blood work is based on your unique health profile and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
What is usually checked during a physical?
In general, the standard physical exam typically includes: Vital signs: blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse rate, temperature, height, and weight. Vision acuity: testing the sharpness or clarity of vision from a distance. Head, eyes, ears, nose and throat exam: inspection, palpation, and testing, as appropriate.
Does a wellness exam include shots?
Your annual preventive health exam (aka well visit or annual physical) is scheduled with your primary care physician to catch potential health issues early, before they become serious, and to help you focus on wellness and a healthy lifestyle while identifying important screening tests, vaccinations and other necessary ...
Is a well-woman exam the same as an annual physical?
Your annual physical is usually with a primary care provider. This visit includes a checkup of your overall health and counseling on health improvements, just like a well-woman exam. But many primary care providers don't include pelvic exams, breast exams, or Pap smears in annual physicals.
What not to do before a physical exam?
- Consuming alcohol.
- Drinking caffeine within an hour of your visit.
- Eating a high-fat meal before bloodwork.
- Eating or drinking anything for eight to 12 hours, or as directed by your provider, before bloodwork that requires a fast.
- Taking cold medicine if you're feeling under the weather.
What kind of doctors do wellness checks?
Once a year, you make an appointment with your primary care physician to make sure your health is in good working order and detect potential concerns early, before symptoms are noticeable.
Will police do a wellness check?
Contact the Local Police Department: Call the non-emergency number of the local police department. Inform them about your concerns and request a wellness check.
What does physical wellness include?
Physical wellness includes a variety of healthy behaviours including exercise, proper nutrition, healthy sleeping, sexual health and substance use. Physical wellness involves learning about disease and harm prevention, and developing healthy habits that will enable to you to live a longer, happier life.
Is a wellness visit the same as a physical exam?
An annual physical exam is more extensive than an AWV. It involves a physical exam by a doctor and includes bloodwork and other tests. The annual wellness visit will just include checking routine measurements such as height, weight, and blood pressure.
Is a urine test part of a wellness exam?
Along with other screening tools like blood tests, urinalysis is an important part of your annual wellness visit. Urinalysis can be used to: Check your overall health. Diagnose a new health condition.
How often does insurance cover an annual physical exam?
Most insurance companies cover one wellness exam per year. Annual wellness visits (once every 12 months) are covered by Medicare without a copay, and these visits are not subject to a Part B deductible. You may, however, be required to pay a portion of the cost for certain recommended tests or services.
Do you have to pull your pants down during a physical?
You will need to take your clothes off for a complete annual physical exam.
What age do doctors stop checking private parts?
Generally around puberty is when it becomes a concern to check development however it can depend on the doctor. Usually ages 11 to 40 will be when your genitals will be examined.
Can you refuse a wellness check?
Why You May Want to Refuse it, and Why You Should Consider it. There are a number of reasons why you may want to skip your annual wellness visit. Since it isn't mandatory, you are completely allowed to do so. Many people confuse the wellness check with a physical, and feel that they don't need it.
Can I refuse a wellness exam?
Since Medicare's AWV is not mandatory, you can refuse this service if your doctor offers it to you.
Does a wellness check include a Pap smear?
Well-woman exams usually include three things: a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health problems before they get out of hand. At the time of the appointment, you may also speak with your doctor about other health concerns you have.
What does a wellness check look like?
A typical wellness check may include measurements of vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate, a review of medical and family history, a lifestyle assessment, and a physical examination. It may or may not include blood work or laboratory tests, depending on your age, health status, and risk factors.